The DFW Bariatric Institute Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Am I a Candidate
for Weight Loss Surgery?
It is estimated that more than half of the population in the United States is overweight, and one-third of them are obese. These obese individuals are at risk for developing one or more serious health conditions. Fortunately, obesity surgery at our practice can help reduce the risk of developing these co-morbidities as well as help obese individuals to live happier and healthier lives. Our bariatric surgeons offer advanced obesity surgery techniques with individualized care and attention. If you are interested in obesity surgery at our practice, find out whether you might be a suitable candidate by reading the information below.
Obesity Surgery Candidates
While obesity surgery provides effective weight loss options for obese individuals, the procedures are not for everyone. People who wish to undergo obesity surgery should meet with a DFW Bariatric Institute surgeon to determine whether they are qualified candidates. Qualified candidates for weight loss surgery procedures provided at our practice including gastric sleeve resection, gastric bypass surgery, revision weight loss surgery, and gastric banding should:
- Be between 18 and 65 years old
- Candidates should have a body mass index of 30 or higher. Insurance may require a candidate be morbidly obese, or have a body mass index of 40 or higher or have a body mass index of 35-39.9 with one or more severe medical conditions related to morbid obesity, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, or acid reflux disease to qualify for Bariatric benefits.
- Note: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved LAP-BAND® System surgery for patients with at least a 30 BMI plus one or more comorbidity conditions (a severe health condition related to obesity). This makes it possible for millions of patients who may not have qualified for gastric banding surgery in the past to become candidates for the procedure.
- Have unsuccessfully attempted to lose weight through multiple documented weight loss methods
- Be free from drug or alcohol dependence
- Be free from emotional, medical, psychological, or other special conditions that may complicate obesity surgery
- Have a thorough understanding of obesity surgery and what it can and cannot accomplish
- Maintain realistic goals and expectations for obesity surgery
- Be highly motivated and committed to making sensible nutrition and lifestyle changes that are necessary for successful weight loss after obesity surgery
There are other specific factors that are important in determining whether an individual makes a good candidate for an obesity surgery procedure. The DFW Bariatric Institute surgeons are all very experienced and can determine which obesity surgery procedure is right for you during an initial consultation.
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment today. To qualify for your consultation, please print and fill out the medical history packet.
What does your BMI mean?
| BMI < 20 | under weight |
| BMI 20-24.9 | healthy weight |
| BMI 25-29.9 | over weight |
| BMI 30-34.9 | obesity |
| BMI 35-39.9 | severe obesity |
| BMI 40-49.9 | morbid obesity |
| BMI > 50 | super morbid obesity |
Body mass index (BMI) is a method that is used to estimate whether an individual is a healthy weight by measuring weight in comparison to an individual’s height. Individuals who do not fall within a normal weight may be at risk for serious health conditions related to obesity. BMI is also an important factor in determining whether an individual is a good candidate for obesity surgery. Individuals who have a BMI of 35 or higher may be good candidates for obesity surgery at our practice. For patients with a BMI of 30 or more, plus at least one serious health problem related to obesity, may qualify as candidates for gastric banding. Please use the calculator above to determine your BMI.
It is important to understand that BMI is not always an accurate way to measure an individual’s body mass. Measuring BMI for children, elderly adults, and body builders, for example, may produce results that do not fall within the same scale that is used to measure other people. Therefore, it is best to meet with an experienced bariatric surgeon at the DFW Bariatric Institute to determine whether you are a good candidate for obesity surgery.
New Patient Information / Medical History
Patients who are good candidates for obesity surgery must undergo a screening process in addition to other pre-surgery preparations. Our surgeons and their team will evaluate the patient’s complete medical history, as well as perform routine lab work and other tests as necessary. Contact our practice to start the pre-surgery preparation process. To join the weight loss program and start the obesity surgery preparation process, patients must submit the following:
Please read our frequently asked questions page to learn more about becoming a patient of our practice. You can also find out how other patients have benefited from joining our program by browsing our before-and-after gallery or reading testimonials from actual patients.
Monique’s Weight Loss Success
Weight Lost: 120 lbs
“This lifestyle change is something I have always dreamed of from making healthier food choices to losing over 120 pounds. Thanks to DFW Bariatric, the outer beauty now matches the inner beauty.” — Monique
Find Out Whether You Are an
Obesity Surgery Candidate
Our practice offers state-of-the-art obesity surgery procedures, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and LAP-BAND® System. Our surgeons can help determine which bariatric procedure is best for your weight loss needs and goals. Please contact our practice to schedule an obesity surgery consultation. We work with numerous insurance companies and offer a variety of financing options to help make your obesity surgery procedure affordable.
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
